The excise department may soon open police stations in all districts of Uttar Pradesh to curb illegal liquor trade and hooch manufacturing that often leads to deaths besides revenue loss.

It is expected that in the first phase, excise police stations will be opened in 10 districts of the state including Allahabad, Lucknow and Varanasi. (HT File Photo)

The excise department may soon open police stations in all districts of Uttar Pradesh to curb illegal liquor trade and hooch manufacturing that often leads to deaths besides revenue loss.

The decision was taken after observing the excise policy of other states where excise police stations have been successful in crushing illegal liquor trade.

The excise department had formed teams to study the excise policy of Karnataka, Haryana, Telangana, Rajasthan, MP and other states. The teams visited these states and gave suggestions to the department, which included the proposal of opening excise police stations.

Taking the suggestion seriously, the excise department is planning to implement it after amendment in the excise policy in the new financial year. It is expected that in the first phase, excise police stations will be opened in 10 districts of the state including Allahabad, Lucknow and Varanasi.

An excise inspector and four constables each will be appointed at these police stations. They will work in co-ordination with local district police. They will be responsible to keep an eye on illegal liquor traders, hooch manufacturers and carrying out regular raids to nab them.

Excise commissioner Dhiraj Sahu said all possible steps will be taken to check illegal liquor trade and increase the revenue. “A suggestion of opening police stations has been received. Proposal will be presented before the cabinet for discussions before taking final decision in this regard,” Sahu added.